Pakistan captain Fatima Sana fined 10% for send-off gesture
What happened after Shafali Verma’s dismissal?
The incident takes place in the second over of India’s innings.
Fatima dismisses Shafali, who attempts an aggressive shot but sends the ball back towards the Pakistan captain, who completes the catch.
After taking the catch, Fatima gestures in the direction of the pavilion.
The ICC considers the action a breach of its rules on player conduct following a dismissal.
The incident attracts attention because Fatima has already received a demerit point for an earlier offence within the previous 24 months.
Fatima accepts ICC sanction
Fatima admits the offence and accepts the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
As she accepts the charge and penalty, there is no need for a formal hearing.
The charge is levelled by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, along with third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.
The ICC confirms that the latest demerit point takes Fatima’s total to two within 24 months.
Her previous demerit point came during the first T20I of Pakistan’s series against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
What does the ICC rule say?
Article 2.5 deals with conduct after a batter is dismissed.
The rule prohibits players from using language, actions, or gestures that disparage a dismissed batter or could provoke an aggressive response.
The ICC classifies Fatima’s offence as a Level 1 breach of its Code of Conduct.
Level 1 offences can result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Fatima’s 10% fine therefore falls within the lower end of the available punishment for this type of offence.
Why the demerit point matters
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The additional demerit point puts Fatima on two points within the 24 months. The ICC disciplinary system becomes more serious when a player accumulates four or more demerit points during this period.
At that stage, the points are converted into suspension points and can lead to a ban, depending on the number of suspension points accumulated. Demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months before they are removed under ICC rules.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign continues
The penalty comes as Pakistan continues its Women’s Asia Cup campaign.
Fatima plays a key role with the ball against India despite Pakistan suffering a heavy defeat. She takes three wickets in the match, including the wicket of Shafali, but India eventually secures a seven-wicket victory.
Pakistan’s attention then turns to its next match as the team looks to recover from the loss and strengthen its position in the tournament. The latest ICC action does not result in a suspension for Fatima. However, the additional demerit point means she now has less room for further disciplinary offences during the remaining period.
